River Plate secured a commanding 3-0 away victory against Belgrano at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes on Sunday, a key result for their aspirations in the Torneo Clausura. Goals from Tomás Galván, Ángel Correa and Thiago Almada sealed a team performance that left manager Leonardo Ponzio satisfied. Galván opened the scoring in the 48th minute, Correa added a second in the 49th, and Almada completed the scoring in the 72nd, a result that extends their unbeaten league run to five matches, with three wins and two draws.
The first half saw River Plate dominate without reward until Galván broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from the edge of the box. Shortly after the break, Lucas Beltrán won the ball back and set up Ángel Correa, who finished precisely for the 2-0. The third goal arrived in the 72nd minute, a solo effort from Thiago Almada down the left flank. Goalkeeper Santiago Beltrán was key to preserving the clean sheet, saving headers from Lisandro López and Lucas Passerini.
Tactical tweaks and solidity
Ponzio made three changes to the starting lineup from the previous match. Francisco Ortega replaced Marcos Acuña in defence, Aníbal Moreno took Fausto Vera's place in midfield, and Lucas Beltrán came into the attack. Moreno's inclusion added aggression in marking and ball recovery, while collective defensive solidity was a pillar of the win. A potential fourth goal for Correa was ruled out for a prior handball by Ortega.
The win keeps River Plate in fifth place in the Clausura's Zona B, with 20 points from 13 games, having recorded six wins, two draws, and five losses. In the annual table, the team remains five points behind Rosario Central, who hold the last direct Copa Libertadores qualification spot. The team has scored 18 goals and conceded 13 this season, giving them a goal difference of plus five.
After the match, Ponzio expressed satisfaction with his team's attitude. “The River Plate world likes to see itself like this and these players can give a lot. They are going to enjoy this club,” said the manager, who has been in charge for two months. He also addressed his commitment to the institution: “No. I know the place I am in. I would never harm River and that leaves me at peace.”
The team now turns its focus to a key fixture next weekend. River Plate will host Racing Club, who sit 13th in the table, on Sunday, 25 October at the Estadio Monumental. Forward Gonzalo Montiel, the team's top scorer this season with seven goals, will be a key figure as they look to extend their positive run.
River Plate manager Leonardo Ponzio made three changes to his lineup for the match against Belgrano, the most variations in his seven games in charge. "We are very happy with this victory," declared goalscorer Ángel Correa to ESPN Argentina after the match. The team remains in fifth place in the Liga Profesional Argentina with 20 points after 13 matchdays.
The victory over Belgrano meant River Plate entered the playoff qualification spots for the first time under manager Leonardo Ponzio, the club confirmed. The team is fifth in Zone B with 20 points, from six wins, two draws, and five losses. In the Annual Table, it has 49 points and is four points behind Rosario Central, the last team qualifying for the Copa Libertadores.
Defender Lucas Martínez Quarta received a yellow card after the match and will be suspended for the next game, the club confirmed. Martínez Quarta, who reached his fifth booking, will miss the match against Racing Club but will be available for the Superclásico against Boca Juniors on November 1. River Plate, fifth in the Liga Profesional with 20 points, enters that derby on a run of three wins and two draws in its last five games.
Update, 20 October 2026 Sunday's match was played at the Estadio Julio César Villagra, the club confirmed. River Plate, who are sixth in the Liga Profesional with 20 points, are on a run of three wins and two draws in their last five games.
Referee Pablo Dóvalo, who officiated River Plate's 3-0 win over Belgrano, announced his retirement from professional refereeing this December. Dóvalo confirmed his decision in an Instagram post on Tuesday, writing, "Enjoying what's left. Always grateful to those who trust." The match, which included three VAR interventions, kept Leonardo Ponzio's team in sixth place in the league with 20 points.
